If you over the counter sleeping pills from insomnia or other sleep disorders, over the counter sleeping pills can help get you to sleep at night. However, before taking one, you should consider talking to a physician who can advise you of the risks and side effects. In addition, a doctor can help you identify alternative treatment options that will serve you better.

The most commonly used OTC sleep aid is melatonin, which is available in tablet, gummy and liquid forms. Another option is a non-sedative antihistamine such as doxylamine succinate (Unisom). It can be found in various forms including tablets, effervescent tablets and sprays. Another option is a combination pain reliever and sleep aid called Aleve PM, which contains naproxen sodium and diphenhydramine.

Some antidepressants also have the effect of making people feel drowsy. These should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision because they are not specifically designed as sleep medicines and can have other serious side effects.

Exploring Over-the-Counter Sleeping Pills: Finding Safe and Effective Solutions

Many people become dependent on OTC sleeping pills, particularly benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax. This can be very dangerous because the person becomes unable to sleep without the medication, and often has worsened symptoms of insomnia upon stopping the medication. In addition, long-term use of these medications is associated with an increased risk of dementia. It is recommended to only take them short term for a few days at a time. Also, never take them with alcohol as this will increase the sedative effects of the drug and cause an adverse reaction in some people.